Merck in talks with GVK, Biocon for R&D tie-up

Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) India, a subsidiary of the US-based Merck & Co, is in talks with Biocon and GVK Pharmaceuticals, among others, to expand its research and drug development activities.

The company also plans to zero in on a clinical research organisation (CRO) in the country and is looking at forging alliances with domestic pharmaceutical firms in the R&D space.

"We are in talks with companies such as Biocon and GVK Pharma and are looking at a range of opportunities," said Leonard Tauro, managing director of MSD. However, a conclusive agreement has not yet been reached, he added.

As part of its R&D plans, Merck Sharp will also initiate clinical studies for its yet-to-be-launched AIDS drug in India.

Addressing a press conference, Patrick Bergstedt, vice-president (hospital products), said, "Currently, our cervical cancer molecule Gardasil is undergoing phase-III trial. We hope to launch it in India in the next two-three years."

He added that the company has completed phase-II trials for its AIDS molecule, MK 0581, and will launch it in India and Africa once it gets the patent rights.

The company also plans to launch 'Cancitas', the drug used to treat fungal infection that occurs during transplantations or chemotherapy treatments, by the end of July this year.

MSD India at present markets two products in the country and plans to launch two more in the anti-bacterial and antibiotic segments soon.